There is a common misconception that Cartier is a jewelry house first and a watchmaker second, but nothing could be further from the truth. The French luxury powerhouse has a prestigious legacy in watchmaking that goes beyond high-end jewelry, and this legacy took shape in the early 20th century with the third-generation brothers Louis, Pierre, and Jacques Cartier.
Together, they transformed the family business into a global brand, with each brother playing a pivotal role. Pierre expanded Cartier in New York while Jacques managed the London store. Louis stayed in Paris and became the creative force behind the most iconic Cartier watches for men, which we will explore further in greater detail.
Santos de Cartier
The idea for the Santos came to Louis Cartier when his Brazilian aviator friend Alberto Santos Dumont needed a watch that he could use to check the time while managing his aircraft controls. At that time, a wristwatch was still considered a feminine accessory and men frequently used pocket watches. Louis came up with a wristwatch in 1904 with exposed screws on the rounded-square bezel that resembled the Eiffel Tower’s rivets, while the Roman numeral hour markers were inspired by a street map of Paris.
Over time, the Santos has evolved into a full collection with various sizes and styles, yet each version remains unmistakably true to the watch that changed how men kept time. Today, you can find the Santos de Cartier in stainless steel, 18k yellow gold, two tone, and chronograph function, as well as in different dial colors such as green, blue, brown, and anthracite gray. You can place a Santos de Cartier order online, or better yet, visit the Zadok Jewelers showroom to get to know this collection in person.
Santos-Dumont de Cartier
The Santos-Dumont has a closer resemblance to Louis Cartier’s original wristwatch design. This model comes with a slimmer profile and smaller case size than the Santos de Cartier. The Santos-Dumont models feature the same softly squared bezel with exposed screws, though they have the railroad minute track on the outer edge of the dial and they don’t have the crown guard found on the larger Santos. It is always paired with a leather strap for a dressier feel, with Santos-Dumont’s signature engraved on the back. This watch serves as a timeless homage to Cartier’s pioneering spirit in wristwatches, and comes in stainless steel, rose gold, and two toned versions.
Cartier Tank
In 1917, Louis Cartier once again redefined wristwatch design with the creation of the Tank. Drawing inspiration from the Renault FT-17 tanks used during World War I, Louis introduced a watch with a unique rectangular case, which was a radical departure from the round cases of the time. The Tank quickly became an icon of Art Deco style, featuring a rectangular minute track, Roman numerals, blued sword hands, and signature blue sapphire cabochon crown. The Tank collection has expanded over the years, with variations like the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Must, and the Tank Française.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier
If you’re planning to buy a Cartier watch online, the Ballon Bleu is a standout choice worth considering, as it beautifully embodies Cartier’s unique design philosophy. This collection may be young compared to the older Cartier watches, but it is very popular. The Ballon Bleu is celebrated for its unique design that diverges from traditional round cases, with its “pebble-like” form and a distinctive crown guard that protects the iconic sapphire cabochon crown.
The dial design reflects Cartier’s classic aesthetics with its Roman numerals and guilloché pattern that catches the light beautifully. The Ballon Bleu models come in a variety of sizes and materials, including stainless steel, yellow gold, rose gold, and two tone options.
Pasha de Cartier
Pasha de Cartier was officially launched as part of Cartier’s catalog in 1985, and was designed by legendary watch designer Gerald Genta. The Pasha immediately stood out with its unconventional round case and distinct screw-down crown cap, attached by a small chain, which became one of its defining features. The Pasha also features Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, a detail that contrasts with Cartier’s typical use of Roman numerals, making it instantly recognizable and unique within the brand’s offerings.
Over the years, Cartier has expanded the Pasha line, offering various styles and materials to suit different tastes. From classic stainless steel versions to added functionalities like chronographs, the Pasha showcases Cartier’s ability to innovate while respecting the watch’s heritage.
Cartier’s approach to watchmaking is grounded in what they call the “culture of design“—a design philosophy based on four main principles: the purity of the line, the accuracy of the shape, the precision of proportions, and the precious details. This is why a Cartier watch is the perfect timepiece for the man who values elegance and substance in equal measure. To explore these legendary timepieces firsthand, Zadok Jewelers offers a curated selection of Cartier watches, providing an opportunity to experience this renowned heritage up close.
Fraquoh and Frachomme
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